Duterte, Galvez vouch for Duque amid Ombudsman probe

President Rodrigo Duterte and Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Monday backed Health Secretary Francisco Duque III as the Department of Health (DOH) faces a probe by the Ombudsman over its handling of the country’s coronavirus response.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires earlier ordered an investigation on DOH officials over several issues raised regarding the department’s response to the pandemic, including the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and test kits. 

“Ang pera wala, sigurado ako, I am very sure and I place my reputation kay Secretary Duque na walang pagnanakaw na nangyari. Hindi niya kayang [gawin]. Hindi niya magagawa ‘yan kasi mayaman siya,” Duterte said in Bisaya in a televised briefing.

“Itaya ko ang reputasyon ko as President. Walang kalokohan na nangyari,” he added.

Duterte maintained that while the department may have been a little “late” in its response to COVID-19 cases, it “does not mean that the DOH did nothing.”

“With due respect to the Ombudsman, the honorable Martires, iniimbestigahan pa niya pero kung ako lang ang tanungin, kung ako ang imbestigahin niya, I believe in the honesty and integrity of my people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Galvez, the chief implementer of the country’s coronavirus response, said the government’s “prudent procurement” of COVID-19 supplies and equipment guarantees the safety of Filipinos and healthcare workers.

“Talagang pinag-igihan po namin na talagang ‘yung mabili natin ay pinakamahusay… I really vouch na si Secretary Duque has nothing to do with the procurement because kami talaga ang nag-procure,” he said.

“Makakaasa po ang ating mga mamamayan na lahat po ng binibili natin na mga equipment at saka PPE ay talagang ito po ay mga standard,” Galvez added. —LDF, GMA News